PARIS — In the wake of the devastating fire that engulfed Notre Dame on April 15, 2019, chief architect Philippe Villeneuve entered the cathedral’s ruins, overwhelmed by the catastrophic scene. The spring air was filled with smoke, and the iconic spire lay in ruins amid charred beams scattered across the nave. “We had lost the framework, the roof, the spire, and three sections of the vault,” he remarked somberly.
Just hours prior to Villeneuve’s tragic visit, French President Emmanuel Macron had issued a bold proclamation: Notre Dame would be rebuilt within five years. Villeneuve, however, reflected on the enormity of this challenge. “The only issue was the deadline,” he shared in a recent interview, pondering the daunting task ahead.
Despite his initial trepidation, a flicker of hope emerged as Villeneuve roamed through the wreckage. While he surveyed the extensive destruction of the 861-year-old Gothic masterpiece, he noted that many vital elements had survived. “All the stained-glass windows were spared, the great organ, the furniture, the paintings -— everything was intact,” he realized, instilling a sense of possibility. “It was feasible.”
The push for restoration became a rallying point in what is now considered the most significant restoration project in modern French history. Macron’s announcement prompted a wave of global support, rapidly garnering nearly $1 billion in donations. However, the journey was fraught with challenges. The immediate aftermath of the fire saw a lead contamination crisis that temporarily halted recovery efforts and raised awareness about the dangers of lead dust. Then, the pandemic struck, forcing workers off-site, followed by inclement weather that delayed the removal of damaged scaffolding.
Amidst these obstacles, Villeneuve remained dedicated to the project, referring to it as the “presidential building site.” He advocated for moving the reopening date from April to December 8, a significant Catholic holy day marking the conception of Mary, which felt both spiritually meaningful and practical. His humor and determined spirit, coupled with an endearing childlike charm, helped him navigate the strenuous five-year endeavor.
Yet, as the reopening approached, Villeneuve admitted to feeling increasingly anxious. “I’m not calm — at all. I’m completely stressed out,” he confessed, expressing that the task at hand transcended merely restoring a building — it was about revitalizing the heart of France.
Amidst the many difficulties presented by the fire, a positive outcome emerged: the devastation unveiled the cathedral’s hidden beauty. Many visitors who experienced the freshly restored interiors remarked that Notre Dame felt even more majestic than before the blaze. “Every cloud has a silver lining,” Villeneuve noted, illustrating how the stonework now radiated brightness reminiscent of its former glory.
The aftermath of the fire left toxic lead dust that necessitated thorough cleaning of all surfaces, revealing previously obscured details in the sculptures, walls, and organ pipes. As Villeneuve walked beneath the intricate framework, known as the “forest,” and the newly reconstructed spire, he felt a sense of accomplishment, believing the restoration’s quality could erase memories of the catastrophe. “If I can make (cathedral visitors) doubt there was ever a fire, then I’ve erased the horror,” he said confidently.
Villeneuve’s commitment to historically accurate restoration was evident, yet he found a unique way to connect personally with Notre Dame. Unable to inscribe his name in stone, he instead tattooed a bold design of Viollet-le-Duc’s original spire on his forearm, accompanying it with another tattoo over his chest that drew inspiration from the cathedral’s stained glass. “This wasn’t about me,” he explained, “but I’ve left my mark in my own way.”
As the central figure in restoring Viollet-le-Duc’s 19th-century vision, Villeneuve recognized the brilliance of the original architect. “He was a genius,” Villeneuve remarked, emphasizing his role in preserving that artistic vision.
However, a shadow lingered over the restoration: the cause of the initial fire remains unknown. The investigation into this infamous incident remains one of contemporary France’s biggest mysteries, and despite thorough inquiries, no definitive conclusions have been drawn. The leading theories point towards an electrical malfunction related to ongoing renovation work, yet uncertainty plagues Villeneuve as he prepares for Notre Dame’s reopening.
“It’s something that haunts you,” he admitted, clarifying he does not feel personally responsible for the blaze. “But it annoys me not to know.”
In light of the tragedy, lessons were learned, and new measures were implemented to ensure Notre Dame’s future safety. Villeneuve and his team have installed state-of-the-art fire protection systems within the cathedral, effectively compartmentalizing the attic into three areas, and incorporating advanced detection and response tools. The revolutionary water-misting system is especially notable as it disperses fine droplets that extinguish flames while reducing damage to the delicate structure. “ These are the most advanced fire safety systems in any French cathedral,” Villeneuve emphasized, asserting the necessity to learn from past events for the sake of future generations.
As Notre Dame’s spire once again graces the Paris skyline, Villeneuve took a moment to acknowledge his accomplishments while celebrating a sense of pride and fulfillment. With an expected annual visitor count of 15 million—three million more than prior to the fire—his monumental efforts continue to resonate in both stone and spirit.
“The cathedral burned, she collapsed, and I collapsed the same day,” he recounted, reflecting on their intertwined recoveries. “I gradually got back up as she got back up. Now I feel ready to leave the hospital.” As the reopening draws near, Villeneuve is hopeful that not only the cathedral but also the nation’s wounds will begin to heal.
